
3. You're not as self aware as you think you are. Shocking stats that explain why, and how to shift!
03/19/25 • 37 min
Unlocking True Self-Awareness: The Path to Personal Growth and Healing
Most People Are NOT as Self-Aware as They Think
Research shows that only 10-15% of people are actually self-aware, yet 95% of people believe they are. (Eurich, 2018)
Why? Because the human brain is wired to overestimate its strengths and downplay its weaknesses—a bias known as the Dunning-Kruger Effect. The less aware we are, the more confident we feel in our perception of ourselves.
In short: Most people are walking around convinced they know themselves, while their blind spots run the show.
Self-awareness is often mistaken for self-reflection. But the ability to look back on what you did is not the same as understanding why you did it—or changing what happens next.
A lot of people can list 50 reasons for their behaviors: 🚩 “That’s just my personality.” 🚩 “It’s my trauma response.” 🚩 “I’m a Virgo—what do you expect?” 🚩 “That’s just the way I’ve always been.”
But labeling a pattern isn’t the same as breaking it. If anything, it reinforces it—creating an identity around behavior that makes it harder to change.
If your self-awareness isn’t leading to different choices, it’s just self-analysis.
Reflection ≠ Self-Awareness
In this episode of BrainBodySpeak, hosted by Holly Joy McCabe, the focus is on the crucial topic of self-awareness. Holly discusses how true self-awareness is rare, with only 10-15% of people genuinely possessing it, while 95% believe they do. She delves into the critical role of self-awareness in personal development, trauma healing, and entrepreneurship.
Want more?
Follow all Holly Joy’s Pages & Resources
Brain Body Speak
Website: https://www.brainbodyspeak.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainbodyspeak/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hollyjoymccabe
X: https://x.com/HollyJoyMcCabe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollyjoymccabe
Zen In A Bottle Supplements & Beauty
Use code BRAINBODYSPEAK at checkout
Website: www.zeninabottle.biz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zen_in_a_bottle/
Regulated Ceo
Podcast:
Website:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regulatedceo/
Confidence Coalition:
Website: www.confidencecoalition.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confidence_coalition/
The episode highlights the irony and challenges of self-perception, using practical examples and statistics to illustrate the gap between assumed and actual self-awareness. Holly also addresses the limitations of traditional talk therapy and the importance of integrating actionable strategies for authentic change. Listeners are encouraged to audit their patterns, seek feedback, and implement new responses to foster genuine self-awareness and transformation in their lives.00:00 Introduction to Self-Awareness01:23 The Importance of True Self-Awareness03:00 Common Misconceptions About Self-Awareness05:01 The Role of Plant Medicine and Integration06:48 Misattribution and Rationalization of Behavior17:22 Special Announcement and Closing Remarks20:21 Challenges in Couples Therapy24:26 Narcissism and Self-Awareness30:17 Practical Steps to Develop Self-Awareness31:43 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Unlocking True Self-Awareness: The Path to Personal Growth and Healing
Most People Are NOT as Self-Aware as They Think
Research shows that only 10-15% of people are actually self-aware, yet 95% of people believe they are. (Eurich, 2018)
Why? Because the human brain is wired to overestimate its strengths and downplay its weaknesses—a bias known as the Dunning-Kruger Effect. The less aware we are, the more confident we feel in our perception of ourselves.
In short: Most people are walking around convinced they know themselves, while their blind spots run the show.
Self-awareness is often mistaken for self-reflection. But the ability to look back on what you did is not the same as understanding why you did it—or changing what happens next.
A lot of people can list 50 reasons for their behaviors: 🚩 “That’s just my personality.” 🚩 “It’s my trauma response.” 🚩 “I’m a Virgo—what do you expect?” 🚩 “That’s just the way I’ve always been.”
But labeling a pattern isn’t the same as breaking it. If anything, it reinforces it—creating an identity around behavior that makes it harder to change.
If your self-awareness isn’t leading to different choices, it’s just self-analysis.
Reflection ≠ Self-Awareness
In this episode of BrainBodySpeak, hosted by Holly Joy McCabe, the focus is on the crucial topic of self-awareness. Holly discusses how true self-awareness is rare, with only 10-15% of people genuinely possessing it, while 95% believe they do. She delves into the critical role of self-awareness in personal development, trauma healing, and entrepreneurship.
Want more?
Follow all Holly Joy’s Pages & Resources
Brain Body Speak
Website: https://www.brainbodyspeak.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainbodyspeak/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hollyjoymccabe
X: https://x.com/HollyJoyMcCabe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollyjoymccabe
Zen In A Bottle Supplements & Beauty
Use code BRAINBODYSPEAK at checkout
Website: www.zeninabottle.biz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zen_in_a_bottle/
Regulated Ceo
Podcast:
Website:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regulatedceo/
Confidence Coalition:
Website: www.confidencecoalition.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confidence_coalition/
The episode highlights the irony and challenges of self-perception, using practical examples and statistics to illustrate the gap between assumed and actual self-awareness. Holly also addresses the limitations of traditional talk therapy and the importance of integrating actionable strategies for authentic change. Listeners are encouraged to audit their patterns, seek feedback, and implement new responses to foster genuine self-awareness and transformation in their lives.00:00 Introduction to Self-Awareness01:23 The Importance of True Self-Awareness03:00 Common Misconceptions About Self-Awareness05:01 The Role of Plant Medicine and Integration06:48 Misattribution and Rationalization of Behavior17:22 Special Announcement and Closing Remarks20:21 Challenges in Couples Therapy24:26 Narcissism and Self-Awareness30:17 Practical Steps to Develop Self-Awareness31:43 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Previous Episode

2. Intro Episode: My Story & Why
In this first episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of who I am, why this podcast exists, and what you can expect from this journey together.
I’m sharing:
✔️ My personal story – From growing up in an extreme, cult-like environment to escaping at 16, navigating trauma, chronic illness, and rebuilding my life from the ground up.
✔️ How my struggles shaped my work – Why I went beyond fitness and nutrition into psychology, somatic healing, neuroscience, and subconscious reprogramming.
✔️ The missing pieces in traditional healing and self-improvement – Why so many approaches (from mindset work to biohacking to spirituality) fall short, and how I integrate them into a cohesive, effective method.
✔️ What this podcast will bring you – Deep-dive conversations, transformative tools, real-life healing stories (Through the Darkness), and quick, unscripted brain boosts (Mini Reboots).
This episode sets the stage for everything to come. If you've ever felt like something is missing from the way personal growth and healing are usually taught—this show is for you.
🔗 Listen now and get ready for a podcast that challenges the norm and helps you truly thrive.
Podcast Show notes
Follow all Holly Joy’s Pages & Resources
Podcast Resource Page for Secret Episodes & Episode Details
https://www.brainbodyspeak.com/bbs-podcast
Brain Body Speak
Website: https://www.brainbodyspeak.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainbodyspeak/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hollyjoymccabe
X: https://x.com/HollyJoyMcCabe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollyjoymccabe
Zen In A Bottle Supplements & Beauty
Use code BRAINBODYSPEAK at checkout
Website: www.zeninabottle.biz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zen_in_a_bottle/
Regulated Ceo
Website: www.regulatedceo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regulatedceo/
Confidence Coalition:
Website: www.confidencecoalition.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confidence_coalition/
Next Episode

5. The Myth of Balance: Why You’re Burnt Out and Disappointed
In this deeply empowering solo episode, Holly Joy McCabe dismantles one of the most toxic personal development ideals: balance.
We’ve been told to “strive for balance” — in our work, our relationships, our self-care — but what if that goal is keeping us in a cycle of burnout, disappointment, and self-blame?
Holly reframes this outdated narrative by offering a revolutionary alternative: harmony.
From juggling glass vs. rubber balls, to hormone cycles, business seasons, nervous system capacity, and daily rhythms — this episode gives women the tools to finally stop chasing a fantasy and start creating a life that works with them, not against them.
- Why balance is a myth that sets women up to fail
- The power of harmony over perfection
- How your hormonal cycle impacts productivity
- What “rubber vs. glass balls” really means in your daily life
- Why hustle culture isn’t bad — when it’s used correctly
- The #1 priority every woman should structure her day around
- How to build capacity in your nervous system and life
- Tools to regularly recalibrate and check in with yourself
- How to organize your priorities to reduce anxiety & increase clarity
- ✍🏼 $2.99 Printable Self-Care & Habit Tracker:
Your weekly tool for staying grounded, organized, and prioritized.
Get it here → https://www.brainbodyspeak.com/shop - Mind Mag Magnesium by Zen In A Bottle
Your magnesium must-have for nervous system health & stress support.
Use code BRAINBODYSPEAK at checkout for savings.
Shop now → Mind Mag Note worthy quotes:
“Balance is a moving target in a constantly shifting world. Harmony, on the other hand, meets you where you are.” – Holly Joy
“When you finally stop expecting every day to be easy, you give yourself permission to build a life that’s real.” – Holly Joy
📲 Share your favorite moment on Instagram and tag @brainbodyspeak to be entered in our monthly Brain Body Reboot giveaway ($500 value!)
✨ Podcast Resource Page (Secret Episodes + Episode Notes)
https://www.brainbodyspeak.com/bbs-podcast
🔗 Brain Body SpeakWebsite: https://www.brainbodyspeak.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainbodyspeak/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hollyjoymccabeX: https://x.com/HollyJoyMcCabeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollyjoymccabe
Zen In A Bottle – Supplements & BeautyWebsite: https://www.zeninabottle.bizInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zen_in_a_bottle/
🛒 Use code BRAINBODYSPEAK at checkout to save!
💼 Regulated CEOWebsite: https://www.regulatedceo.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/regulatedceo/
🤍 Confidence CoalitionWebsite: https://www.confidencecoalition.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/confidence_coalition/
📲 Spread the Word & Win!
Tag @brainbodyspeak on Instagram with your biggest takeaway to enter our monthly Brain Body Reboot course giveaway ($500 value)!
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